California Bear

I was delighted to read a copy of California Bear by Duane Swierczynski who I did a Q&A & Authors In The Media Q&A with this year. In this tale of mystery, 4 unlikely people band together to reveal the identity of a famous serial killer known as the California Bear after the bear comes out of hibernation to hunt again. Matilda Finerty is 14, going on 15 and dealing with leukemia gives her time to do some sleuthing when it comes to California Bear and trying to prove or disprove whether her father Jack Queen is guilty or not guilty of murder. Speaking of Jack, his friend Cato Hightower, a retired cop gets him out of prison and Cato draws him into a mess to blackmail the Bear himself. Jeanie Hightower is a genealogist that might be too close to danger partly due to her soon to be ex-husband Cato and her own investigation.

Great Concept, Story, Characters, Humor & Touching Authors Note

I love the concept, story & character! I was sold immediately when knowing its 4 unlikely characters trying to reveal the identity of the serial killer The California Bear. I enjoy the closeness Matilda & her Father Jack were and what an old soul she is and how intelligent she is. I feel as though I could be friends with Matilda since we’re both old souls and I also like Jeannie and even Cato despite him being a moron at times lol. Even when you think the story is over there’s a lot of surprising reveals that make sense. I also enjoyed that there were humorous moments that made me chuckle a lot. What’s also great is the book explores how obsessed society can get with true crime and trying to be internet sleuths & how that can open doors you can’t shut. The Authors’ Note at the end with how Duane came up with the story was very touching and I shed some tears. Thank you for writing this story, Duane. I look forward to our Behind The Book Q&A and I hope there is a sequel!